Lately, I’ve been getting a lot of questions about birth control related to pregnancy. I know it can be difficult to find the facts when you’re searching for this information, so I’m setting the records straight in today’s blog post! I’m answering your must-asked questions and going over the basics when it comes to the different birth control options you have.
Your Birth Control Options
Birth Control Implant: A small rod implanted into the upper skin of your arm that provides birth control. The rod is invisible and prevents pregnancy for up to 4 years.
IUD: A t-shaped piece of plastic inserted into the uterus to provide birth control. The IUD will last for 3-6 years.
Birth Control Pills: A daily medication that contains two hormones (estrogen and progestin) to prevent pregnancy. You can also get a pill with progestin only.
Birth Control Shot: An injection of the hormone progestin that provides birth control for 3 months. It can be administered at home or by a healthcare professional.
Birth Control Patch: A thin, beige piece of plastic that looks like a square bandage. It’s easy to use and works like the pill, but you only need to change your patch once a week.
Vaginal Ring: A small, flexible piece of plastic that’s inserted into the vagina to provide birth control. It works like the pill, but only needs to be inserted once a month.
And more!
Pregnancy and Birth Control FAQ
What is the possibility of getting pregnant while on birth control? Should I be worried about getting pregnant while on birth control?
- Before answering this question you have to keep in mind that no form of birth control is 100% effective. Meaning that there’s always a chance of pregnancy! Unless of course, you’re not having sex! The chance of pregnancy depends on the birth control, for example—the chance of pregnancy while on Nexplanon (the implant in your arm) is about 0.05% (that’s REALLY low!), with an IUD it ranges from 0.2-0.8% chance of pregnancy (again really low!). When it comes to birth control pills (they do work very well!) but you have to remember to actually take a pill every single day—and when you start forgetting to take a pill that’s when it can become less effective! When taken correctly (and as prescribed) the combination pills are about 99% effective! Whenever in doubt make sure to ask your doctor.
How can you get pregnant on birth control?
- It depends on the form of birth control, but remember that there is no form of birth control (besides abstinence) that is 100% effective. If you aren’t taking the medication as directed/prescribed that would increase your risk of getting pregnant.
Are you more likely to get pregnant on certain birth control than others?
- One of the reasons LARC (long active reversible contraception) such as the IUD and the implant work so well so that you don’t have to remember to take a pill every day….or remember to come back for an infection…or remember to place a new patch. It’s more effective because it’s working on its own! For someone with a busy lifestyle (cough cough ME) who’s terrible at remembering to take pills, the IUD works great!
Always consult your doctor about what form of birth control is right for you and don’t be afraid to ask questions (that’s what we’re here for)!
